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Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drink Recipes

Hey Penelope,
I've got everything for Thanksgiving dinner pretty much figured out, but was wondering if you could help me with some non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink ideas for before and after dinner. I'm having a dry Thanksgiving party, and want to make sure that my guests still enjoy themselves.
Thanks,
Sara
Topeka, KS

Dear Sara,
As long as your drinks are dry and not your turkey, I'm sure that your guests will have a great time. That said, delicious Thanksgiving drinks are of paramount importance to any dinner party. They help guests by giving them something to do and hold while they're mingling, and they're a great way to relax after all of the Thanksgiving food has set in.

My Thanksgiving drink suggestions for you: Sparkling Apple Cider (Martinelli's is available at most grocery stores), Hot Cinnamon Apple Cider and Mexican Hot Chocolate. The first two are relatively self-explanatory (for cinnamon apple cider, simply heat as much apple cider as you plan to serve, pop a cinnamon stick into each mug, and pour away), but Mexican Hot Chocolate is a special drink that deserves a full-on recipe for your Thanksgiving planning needs. The great thing about Mexican Hot Chocolate, by the way, is that it has such a deep and rich flavor that it can be served as a dessert in its own right for those guests who have stuffed themselves and can't possibly begin to consider a slice of apple, pumpkin or pecan pie.

For one serving of Mexican Hot Chocolate, you'll need:

1 packet of hot chocolate mix
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
1 cup of milk (I recommend whole milk for a creamier taste)

In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine your milk and hot chocolate mix until the mixture is smooth and hot enough to serve. Remove the saucepan from the burner, and whisk in your ground cinnamon and your chili powder. The end result will be a creamy, rich and deeply-spiced (but not spicy) Mexican Hot Chocolate that's sure to impress all of your Thanksgiving guests.

With these three non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink ideas, you'll be sure to please even the most difficult guests. Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy Planning.
Penelope